UNIVERSITI PUTRA MALAYSIA

EDUCATIONAL DIMENSION OF WOMAN'S CHARACTER

IN THE NARRATION'S OF PROPHETS AS STATED IN THE HOLY QUR' AN

ASMA' A. M. AL-OMARI

FPP 2003 17

EDUCATIONAL DIMENSION OF WOMAN'S CHARACTER IN THE NARRATION'S OF PROPHETS AS STATED IN

THE HOLY QUR' AN

ASMA' A. M. AL-Ol\1ARI

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY UNIVERSITI PUTRA MALAYSIA

2003

EDUCATIONAL DIMENSION OF WOMAN'S CHARACTER IN THE NARRATION'S OF PROPHETS AS STATED

IN THE HOLY QUR'AN

By

ASMA' A. M. AL-OMARI

Thesis Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, Universiti Putra

Malaysia, in Fulfilment of the Requirements for the

Degree of Doctor of Philosophy

June 2003

DEDICATION

For the Soul of My Father, .. ...

111ay ALLAH (SWT) 111ercy Him

& Award Him the Upper Paradise

And for the loyalty of every mother, who has been the foundation stone for the building of every fami ly. She is the blessed hope of the future, for the generations to come . . . I pledge my soul to your service and gratitude.

11

Abstract of thesis presented to the Senate of Universiti Putra Malaysia in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

EDUCATIONAL DIMENSION OF WOMAN'S CHARACTER

IN THE NARRATION'S OF PROPHETS AS STATED IN THE HOLY QUR' AN

By

ASMA' A. M. AL-OMARI

June 2003

Chairman: Associate Professor Muhd Fauzi Bin Hj. Muhammad, Ph.D.

Faculty Educational Studies

The Holy Qur'an has addressed the needs of women and their status in a way

never done before in any other religious text. Woman's exalted position in Islam

is due, primarily, to her role as a child rearer. It is she who is considered the

"first madrasah" (first school) by Islam, and it is from her that children will learn

about their responsibility as future 'standard bearers' of Islam and society.

The research examines stories and biographies of women in the Qur'an, narrated

by various prophets (peace be upon them) through the ages. These stories have

been drawn from sound Islamic sources. not the doubtful narrations of Israelite

scriptures, showing, through their life stories, women's attitude nature, some

positive and others negative. This provides an authentic and comprehensive view

of Muslim women from the Qur'anic perspective. It puts forward an educational

model for women to realize their true role in the challenging times in which we

live. By studying the attitudes and dispositions of women in the Holy Qur'an

and the Sunna of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) the

research illustrates the merits. morals and role of women as educators in the

III

family, as well as society. It also shows the extent to which a Muslim women

can harm or benefit each member of her family. The study also shows the scope

of educational techniques in the Holy Qur'an and their impact on the attitudes

and character of women. It delineates the educational role of women and the

features of women' s character through investigation of previous religions and

comparison with those in Islam. In this way, we can become more acquainted

with the characteristics of women, her tasks, rights, duties and the type of work

suited to her outside the family.

The research aimed to discover the truth about women's acumen in modem

times, endeavoring to elevate her position through education about her true role,

according to the foundations and principles outlined in the Holy Qur'an and the

narrations about virtuous women by previous prophets.

Finally, the research, in its findings and recommendations, seeks to

advance women's status III all fields, though education, according to the

noble mission of Islam.

IV

Abstrak tesis yang dikemukakan kepada Senat Universiti Putra Malaysia sebagai memenuhi keperluan untuk ijazah Doktor Falsafah

ASPEK PENDIDlKAN DI DALAM KEPERIBADIAN W ANITA MENURlJT KISAH-KISAH PARA NABI

YANG TERDAPAT DI DALAM AL-QUR'AN

Oleh

ASMA' A. M. AL-OMARI

Jun 2003

Pengerusi: Profesor Madya Muhd Fauzi Bin Hj. Muhammad, Ph.D.

Fakulti Pengajian Pendidikan

Al Quran memandang tinggi terhadap kedudukan wanita. Tidak ada di dalam

agama lain yang mempunyai pandangan sedemikian. Wanita mempunyai

kedudukan yang tinggi dalam Islam kerana mempunyai peranan utama dalam

menjaga dan mendidik anak-anak dengan sempurna, dengan pendidikan

menyebabkan wanita mampu m ncapai matlamat yang sebenar, dan mampu

membawa umat Islam dan masyarakat ke arah kemajuan.

Di dalam kajian ini, penumpuan di buat terhadap cerita nabi-nabi A.S di

sepanjang zaman. penelitian penuh dijalankan terhadap prinsip dan pend irian

wan ita dalam cerita-cerita berkenaan samada positif atau negatif. Penjelasan

mengenai kaedah dan cara pendidikan yang boleh diambil daripada prinsip dan

pendirian mereka dibuat berdasarkan AI-Quran dan bersih daripada cerita-cerita

lsraeliyat dan riwayat-riyawat yang salah. (ni membolehkan kita mendapat

gambaran yang sebenar tentang cara pendidikan dan pandangan AI-Quran

terhadap wanita Islam. Kajian ini dilakukan adalah bertujuan untuk memberi

cadangan terhadap cara pendidikan yang mampu membantu wan ita Islam

v

menilai persekitaran mereka dan meletakkan mereka diatas landasan yang

sebenar walaupun tcrpaksa menghadapi pelbagai cabaran. Kaj ian ini dibuat

berpandukan prinsip dan pendirian wanita yang terdapat di dalam AI-Quran dan

As-Sunnah supaya peranan mereka yang sebenar dalam mendidik keluarga dan

masyarakat dapat ditonjolkan, si fat dan akhlak terpuj i yang perlu dimiliki dalam

kehidupan seharian, sifat dan akhlak buruk dan kesannya terhadap kehidupan

wanita dan keluarga serta masyarakat dapat dijelaskan . Kaj ian ini juga

menjelaskan tentang kaedah dan cara pendidikan wanita yang terdapat didalam

cerita-cerita AI-Quran dan kesannya dalam membentuk keperibadian wanita,

disamping menerangkan peranan mereka dalam pendidikan. Kaj ian seterusnya

menumpukan kepada perbandingan kedudukan wanita dalam agama-agama

terdahulu dengan Islam bagi mengetahui pelbagai kedudukan mereka mengikut

pandangan yang berbeza. Di samping itu kajian ini juga membincangkan tentang

tugas-tugas, keistimewaan, hak dan tanggungjawab serta kegiatan wanita di Iuar

rumah.

Perbincangan di dalam kaj ian ini ditumpukan kepada realiti wanita masa kini

dan pendidikan mereka melalui sifat dan asas-asas pendidikan yang ditemui di

dalam ceriat-cerita AI-Quran supaya mereka dapat dicontohi oleh wanita-wanita

yang lain.

Melalui kaj ian ini juga, segal a cadangan dan kesimpulan yang diperolehi ,

penyelidik berusaha untuk mengangkat taraf wanita dalam segenap aspek

kehidupan melalui dakwah yang berterusan dan pendidikan Islam yang tulen.

VI

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Praise belongs to Allah, who made Islam the final religion and who sent the

Qur'an to Muhammad, the chosen Messenger of manbnd (Peace and blessings

be upon him, his family and his noble companions) . I praise Allah, the Almighty,

the Most High for allo\ving me to complete this research, which I hope will be of

benefit to Muslim women of every time and place.

Special thanks are due to Assistant Professor Dr. Muhd Fauzi bin Mohammad

for his kindness, help and assistance during the process of the research.

Likewise, I extend my deepest gratitude to the Head of the viva Committee,

Professor Dr. Amina Ahmad. Special thanks to the member of the committee,

Professor Dr. Datin Sharifa Md. Nor, for her help, advice and cooperation

throughout the process of developing the research.

I would like to thank committee members, Assistant Professor Dr. Ismail

Mahmood and Dr. Mohammad Haj i Mohammad Daud, from University Malaya,

for their invaluable comments. Thanks are also due to my external examiner

from University Malaya, Professor Dr. Dato ' Mahmud Zahdi Hj . Abdul Maj id -

may Allah grant them all the highest reward and enter i t into their accounts of

good actions on the Hereafter.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the staff of faculty of educational studies at

University Putra Malaysia (UPM) for all the help and assistance they gave me. I

am also thankful to the Academic Board all stuff of the School of Graduate

Studies.

Sincere thanks are due to my beloved husband, 'Abu Asem' for his patience and

sacrifice, both material and spiritual - were it not for him, this research would

not have been possible . In addition, I acknowledge the hard work of brothers

Abdul Shakour Preece, Mohd Fathi Ali (Abu Khalid), and Dr. Abd Rahman Abu

Shari' ah for their efforts in proof reading transcripts of the research, and to Al­

Hilal Cultural Center for translating it into English. Special thanks to brother

Raed Khasawneh and Dr. Ahmad Manasreh for their continuous support in all

means.

Finally, I would l ike to thank everyone who has played a part in the realization

of this research, be they friends or fami ly, for their support and guidance, in

tenns of reading, encouragement, advice, help or du'a. May Allah bestow them

with every blessing and benefit, and may He make this research a contribution to

the field of Islamic Education, related to Muslim women, by means of the stories

and examples in the noble Qur'an.

Vll

I certifY that an Examination Committee met on 23'd June 2003 to conduct the final examination of Asma' A. M. AI-Omari on her Doctor of Philosophy thesis entitled '"Educational Dimension of Woman's Character in the Narration's of Prophets as Stated in the Holy Qur'an" in accordance with Universiti Pertanian Malaysia (Higher Degree) Act 1980 and Universiti Pertanian Malaysia (Higher Degree) regulations 1981. The Committee recommends that the candidate be awarded the relevant degree. Members of the Examination Comminee are as follows:

Aminah Ahmad, Ph.D.

Professor Faculty of Educational Studies Universiti Putra Malaysia (C ha i rperson)

Muhd Fauzi Bin Hj . Muhammad, Ph.D.

Associate Professor Faculty of Educational Studies Universiti Putra Malaysia (Chairman)

Datin Sharifah Md. Nor, Ph.D.

Professor Faculty of Educational Studies

Universiti Putra Malaysia (Member)

Ismail Mahmood, Ph.D.

Associate Professor Faculty of Islamic Studies Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (Member)

Muhammad Hj. Md. Daud, Ph.D.

Associate Professor Faculty of Islamic Studies Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (Member)

Dato' Mahmood Zohdi Hj. Abdul Majid, Ph.D.

Professor Academy Islam Universiti Malaya (Independent Examiner)

SHER MOHAMAD RAMADlLI, Ph.D.

rofessor / Deputy Dean School of Graduate Studies Universiti Putra Malaysia

Date: 29 vL.,.1 2003

VIII

This thesis submitted to the Senate of Universiti Putra Malaysia has been accepted as fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. The member of the Supervisory Committee are as follows:

Muhd Fauzi Bin Hj. Muhammad, Ph.D. Associate Professor Faculty of Educational Studies Universiti Putra Malaysia (Chairman)

Datin' Sharifah Md. Nor, Ph.D. Professor Faculty of Educational Studies Universiti Putra Malaysia (Member)

Ismail Mahmood, Ph.D. Associate Professor Faculty ofIslamic Studies Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (Member)

Muhammad Hj. Md. Daud, Ph.D. Associate Professor Faculty oflslamic Studies Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (Member)

IX

AINI IDERIS, Ph.D.

ProfessorlDean

School of Graduate Studies

Universiti Putra Malaysia

Date: ,1 4 NOV 2003

DECLARATION FORM

I hereby declare that the thesis is based on my original work except for quotations and citations which have been duly acknowledged. I also declare that it has not been previously or concurrently submitted for any other degree at UPM or other institutions.

ASMA' ABDEL-MUNIEM MOH'D AL-OMARI

Date: 125 SEP 20m

x

DEDICATION

ABSTRACT ABSTRAK

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

APPROVAL

DECLARA TION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Background

Statement of Problem

The Importance and Aims of the Research

The Limitations of the Research

Research Methodology

Previous Research

Plan of the Research

II LITERATURE REVIEW

Page

11 III V

Vll VIII

X Xl

XIV

4 5 8 8 9 9

11 Introduction I 1 Islamic Education In the Qur'anic Narrations 12

Education and its Place in Islam 12 Characteristics and Aims of the Islamic Education 14 Sources and Fundamentals of Islamic Education 19 Islamic Education and other Educational Theories 25 Previous Studies 29 Conclusion 38

The Role of Qur'anic Narrations in Educating and Disciplining Woma 40 The Importance of Woman and Her Position in Islam 41 Narration in the Holy Qur'an 44 Conclusion 58

III METHODOLOGY

Introduction

Research Methodology

Classification of Women's Characters According to the Prophets' Narrations as Stated in the Holy Qur'an

Chronological Outline of Women's Roles Throughout History, their Impact and Significance, As Narrated by the Prophets

Conclusion

Xl

60 60 61 63

64 72

IV

v

DATA At�ALYSIS

Introduction

Positive Characteristics of Women's According to the Narrations of the Prophets and an Analysis of their Position

Eve, the Wife of Adam (PBUT)

The Two Wives of Abraham (PBUH) - Sarah and Hagar

The mother and sister of Moses (PBUH)

The Queen of Sheba and Solomon (PBUH)

Asia the Wife of Pharaoh

Mariam the Daughter of Imran -(PBUH)

Conclusion

Negative Female Characters in the Prophetic Narrations and Analysis of Their attitudes

The Wife of the 'Aziz' and (Yusuf) Joseph (PBUH)

The Wife of Nuh (Noah) (PBUH)

The Wife of Lot (PBUH)

Characteristics Of Women's Role as Stated in the Qur' an in the Time the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and their Educational Significance

A'ishah, the Daughter of Abi Bah and the Report of Slander (lFK)

Zaynab Bint Ja'hsh (May Allah be Pleased with her)

The Incident of AI-Tahrim (Prohibition)

The Wives of the Prophet (PBUH) and their Request for Alimony

Khawlah Bint Tha'labah

Urn Lahab (Urn Jameel) the Carrier of Firewood

Conclusion

FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION

Introduction

Attributes of Muslim Woman in the Qur'anic Narrations

Ethics and Praiseworthy Qualities of Muslim Women According to the Qur'anic Narrations

Censuring, Bad Morals and Attributes

Conclusion

The Techniques oflslamic Education Found in the Holy Qur'an

Education Through Good Role Models

Education by Instruction and Direction

Education Through on-Going Events

Education Through Examples and Metaphors

Education Through Encouragement and Warning, Reward and Punishment

Conclusion

XII

73 73 74 74 84 96

110 120 124 140 142 143 160 167 175 175 188 200 214 225 232 236

237 237 237 239

260 271 272 275 281 286 289 293 297

VI

Narrations of the Prophets and The Extent of their Effect on Women's Character and Behavior in all Areas of Life

Investigation and Comparison the Features of Women's Characters in Previous Message with those of Women in Islam, Using the Qur'anic Narrations

The Character of Muslim Woman Today

Conclusion

SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary of Results

Results Concerning the Islamic Education

Results Concerning the Qur'anic Narrations

Results Concerning Woman's Role in the Prophets 'Narrations

Results Concerning the Ethics and Attributes of the Muslim Woman

Results Concerning the Methods of Education in Building up Ethics and Directing Behavior Results Concerning Heavenly Laws and their View Towards Womar

Results Concerning the Behavior of Woman Today

Recommendations

Suggestions for Future Studies

SOURCES AND REFERENCE

APPENDICES

Appendix A: Qur'anic Verses According to Women's Character in the Qur'anic Narrations. Appendix B: Hadiths (Traditions) of the Prophet (PBUH) Found in the Research Appendix C: Uncommon Expressions and their Meanings

CURRICULUM VITAE

XllI

298

299

316 328

329 329 330 331 332 334 335 336 337 338 340

344 354 354

357 359

360

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Educational Dimension:

The elements of education that fonn the character of dedication woman,

developing her, refining her and building her up in order to protect her from bad

habits and blameworthy qualities. These elements also improve her abi l ity to

cooperate with others, thus making her more effective. All this is necessary to

guide her emotions to be balanced and to develop her passions in accordance

with Islam and the tuned culture of her society.

Muslim Woman's Character

Character IS a complete system, which relies upon the foundation of faith,

extracted from Islam, and which comprises consistency in physical and

intellectual drives, relative to the characteristics which make-up the individual

personality. It fonns the individual ' s lifestyle, relative to the material and social

environment, and is the basis by which an individual can be judged or

recognized. Islamic education stamps its mark upon the character of woman in

all aspects of her life : intellectual, physical, psychological, spiritual and social

etc.

'Qasas al Anhiyya' (Narrations of the Prophets)

The Qur' an has mentioned the Prophets and their positions and explains their

rights and duties pointing towards their major role in life and their

responsibilities to guide mankind to Tawhid (oneness) and lman (faith) . This

study has come to throw light upon the stories in which women play a role. The

researcher has recorded the stories of the prophets beginning with time of Adam

until the time of the prophet Muhammad using a scientific approach listing the

most important events which emphasise the characteristics of women in each

prophet's l ife . Clarifying the woman's ideas and moods and her role which has

been assigned by Qur'an. On the other hand, the researcher did not mention

other prophetic stories which did not mention women, and other stories where

XIV

there was no c lear involvement of women. So the research concerns women's

role in the lives of the prophets from al l aspects of her l ife extracting the rules

and laws and ethics, morals and educational dimensions.

The Positive Character of \Vomen

The balanced Islamic character which controls a clear measure and is consistent

for her behaviour supposed to be accepted or rejected. If it is in line with the

principles of religion, then it is acceptable. But if it conflicts with religion then it

is rejected, though the this character is linked with Allah and is keen to satisfy

the commands of Allah and His reward in this l ife and the next. Therefore

woman should not isolate herself from the activities of daily l ife or distance

herself from the difficulties of life, because Islam in its teachings builds the soul

to qualify woman to be generous /giving and develops in her the ability to be

productive and creative to be able to live her l ife according to what Islam has

prescribed. So l ife in her eyes is work, building, giving and competing in good

actions.

The Negative Character of Women

The women who is not committed behaves randomly and in an unbalanced

random way and does not think of making her words and deeds according to the

rules and laws of Shari ' ah before she intends to do it. But instead she gives

herself the right to do whatever she wants, even though its unnatural or

conflicting with the nature system and far from the pleasure of Allah and not in

agreement with Islam.

Islamic Aqeedah (Creed)

A Permanent connected contracted between the servant (Man and linn) and His

Lord Allah (SWT) and the fundamental rule for the Muslim personality for

relationships, because the essence of every act and word springs from this faith .

The Muslim establishes all of his deeds, practices and his positions and relations

xv

based on faith in Allah and obeying His orders and love to be c loser to Him

through obedience, loyalty in his worship and duties (ibadaat).

Islamic Ahklaq (Morals)

The collection of ethics and qualities and those m eanings well resting in the soul

of mankind in harmony with the rules of Shari ' ah which Allah has ordained and

which is meant to suit the nature and existence of the servants of Allah. These

qualities which must be nurtured committed in a m oderate way without

extremes, to order and disciplined struggle in their lives or Allah will forbid it,

when it is immoral. Internal motor deeply planted in the self which is reflected

in deeds and sayings without need of for vision or thinking (habit) without

restrictions and according to these qualities we can incite the deeds to be good or

bad.

Praiseworthy Islamic Akhlaq

Morals that Allah (SWT) appreciates and encourages, such as : sincerity, honesty,

chastity, shyness etc. which are the fruit of faith in Allah and show the

commitment of religion and is established in the self because it is a part of

Islamic faith.

Blameworthy Akhlaq

Morals that which has been forbidden and warned against like lying, deceit,

betrayal etc . which leads the self to the consequences of following the desires

and whims and sinking in the marshes evi l and panting behind the ways of curse

filth of Satan (Shaitan) .

XV}

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST GRACIOUS, THE MOST MERCIFUL

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background

Islam has a great level of concern for Muslim women and has taken great care to

uti lize her potential, guide her talents and her time, and protect her from going astray.

This is because women are the beating heart of the fami ly. They articulate its pain and

aspirations and lead i t towards exalted aims and goals . Her energy, her strength of

faith and her understanding of her role in l ife lead to the progress and advancement of

society in a way that enables Muslims to excel among other nations.

Woman is a fundamental part of society. She is an interconnected part of its culture

and beliefs, through her mind-set and her behaviour. She has to withstand numerous

obstacles, including the immoral tendencies of the self with all its whims and

inclinations, disturbing and creating doubts in her, as well as the problems of the

environment, which in tum, are reflected in the drives and instincts of the self.

Through the deception and evil of Satan and his temptation, woman can deviate from

the right path. When this happens, l ife becomes problematic . The results can be

catastrophic for the family, the society and the nation as a whole.

1

The issue of woman and her role in society, and the extent to which she can affect

scientific advancement, has received much interest in the form of seminars and

studies. The diverse views and methodologies present in educational theory to date,

require an attempt to combine these various educational visions into one, original

Islamic reality, for the betterment of all societies. This \vould have the effect of

creating rational females, whose characters can re-instate the lofty principles, divine

instmctions and honourable behaviour of the first Muslim women mentioned in the

Holy Qur'an.

The call to achieve the aims and goals of Muslim society relates both to men and

women . It i s therefore not surprising that Islam directs both of them towards an

exalted, ideal pattern of behaviour. Qur' anic education builds the character of Muslim

women, moving them towards morality and refined behaviour, thus producing the

best of people. Islamic education in accordance with the methodology of the Holy

Qur' an, and the Sunna of the Prophet (peace be upon him), transports woman towards

wisdom, yet this cannot be realized without the correct understanding of religion and

woman' s role within it. Woman's deep conviction about her role will reflect itself in

her behaviour; which will result in an increased ability to bring-up the future

generation of Muslims with faith and righteous behaviour.

The researcher' s interest was in studying the narrations of the Prophets (Peace be

upon them) focussing upon women. The aim was to display the role and the function

of women in the Holy Qur'anic narrations; the females mentioned in these narrations

being role models in order for believing women to arm themselves \V·ith faith and

education. It is hoped that through this effort, the thinking and behaviour of women

2

wil l turn towards righteousness. If this is achieved, then women can grow to become

like mighty pil lars, unaffected by the storms of temptation or the winds of change

This research, 'Educational Dimensions of Woman's Character, in the Narrations of

the Prophets, as Stated in the Holy Qur'an,' explores the rol e of women during the

time of the previous prophets (Peace be upon them) and their divine missions. It also

indicates the necessity for serious, purposeful study into the part played by women,

and the exalted position enjoyed by them under the banner of Islam. Moreover, it

seeks to study the character of Muslim women and their nature, according to the

attributes and roles of the women presented in the Qur'anic narrations.

Although this study focused mainly upon women in the Prophetic narrations, i t is also

an attempt to identify key feahlres of Islamic education. In other words, through

women's retrieval of their position assigned to them by Shar' ia, and through their

performing of their roles as educators and instructors, according to the Book of Allah,

they can never be misled by evi l . It is hoped that this research will be a beacon of

hope, i lluminating the lives of Muslim women, guiding them towards excellence in

values, following in the footsteps of those faithful, righteous woman who came

before us and who have been mentioned in the Prophetic narrations; praised for their

noble qualities, eternalized by their being mentioned in the greatest books of rel igion.

All this is but a sign and a token of the honour and respect due to women.

3

Statement of Problem

This research seeks to shed l ight upon the issue of women's education by citing

earlier examples of women who have succeeded in discharging their duties and the

tmst of disseminating their message. The main problem of the research lies in how to

refine the women of this time, acquainting them with the role of the Qur'an as an

educator and refiner of souls . The key question is:

"What are the mam functions and features of Woman's characters in the

narrations of the Prophets (Qasas-ul-Anbia'), and what Educational

implications can be drawn from them?"

Within this question are other, secondary Issues, which have been examined as

fol lows:

l. The most important Qur'anic verses referring to the attributes of

females in the Prophetic narrations .

2. The behaviour and attitudes of women, both praiseworthy and

blameworthy, in the Prophetic narrations, and the educational

implications of these.

3. Methods and techniques of education, gained as a result of studying

the aforementioned women, their behaviour and attitudes, and their

role in directing woman's behaviour to insti l praiseworthy qualities

and reject blameworthy ones.

4

4. The morality and merits of women, according to their roles In the

Prophets' narrations.

5. The dimensions and characteristics of Muslim women at the time of

the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and in the previous

revealed books, according to the Prophets ' narrations.

6. The present reality of Muslim women today, and the scope of their

role in education and 'Da'wa' (inviting to the religion of Allah) .

Importance and Aims of the Research

The educational status of woman is of great importance and it enjoys the concern of

many Islamic writers, educators and 'Du'aa' (Callers to the religion), not least

because the bui lding and advancing of society depends, to a large extent, on woman.

For this reason, the researcher chose to study the Qur'anic narrations in order to

explore their value in educating and directing woman according to Qur'anic Methods.

They have in them all the educational and instructional features for women's

problems, needs and moral dilemmas.

There is no doubt that Muslim civi lization has produced unique characters, both men

and woman, who have set great examples of ideal Islamic morals and etiquette.

Emulating characters such as these will create Muslim ' Da' iyaat' (women who call to

Allah) who are capable of performing great achievements and deeds and who wil l call

5

the future generations to strong inner conviction. The most important aims of this

research are:

1 . To identify the role of the Qur'anic narratlons in developing the character

of Muslim woman and to enhance this through:

• Connecting woman to Almighty Allah and the life hereafter; and

establishing the correct, monotheistic faith in her heart.

• Developing woman's knowledge of the Book of Allah her

understanding of its objectives and rules through the Qur' anic

narrations, which i llustrate the true faith and morals of the Holy Qur'an.

2. To analyze the characteristics of females mentioned in the Qur'anic

narrations, both positive and negative, as these are a source of instruction

for a Muslim woman in the present day and contain principles that help

her to regulate the different aspects her l ife. This, it is hoped, will lend a

helping hand to direct women and correct their behaviour.

3. To explain the sources and characteristics of Islamic education and reveal

the most important methods used by the Holy Qur' an and the Qur' anic

narrations to impart morals to the souls of men and women. This will

enable them to identify the correct way, as i l lustrated by the female

characters mentioned in the Holy Qur'an; bearing in the mind that those

characters played a vital role in the lives of the Prophets (Peace be upon

them), including the last prophet, Mohammed (Peace be upon him)

6

4. To identify the most important values that a Muslim must possess, and

those which should be renounced or changed.

5. To build women's awareness of the amount of suffering and sacrifice

undergone by the mothers, wives and sisters of the Prophets and Muslim

women in general, in the field of 'Da'wa' . Also, to show that the main aim

of the Qur' anic narrations is , in fact, to develop a sound monotheistic faith

in the characters of Muslims. This is because Islam needs those who can

invite others to Allah and bring the Muslims back to proper adherence of

religion, equipped with 'Taqwa' (Fear of God) and 'Amal' (good actions).

6. To focus on the role of woman in the Prophet' s narrations and to note the

characteristics of the women's biographies mentioned therein in order to

create a more complete picture of what a virtuous l ife means for a woman.

Additionally, to clarify the guidelines to which modem women should

adhere, in order to be in accordance with this ideal model, so that they can

follow it and counter the many difficulties they face in temlS of social,

intel lectual and cultural challenges.

7. To explore the Qur'anic method of awakening thoughts and emotions as

an educational tool, arrived at by enquiry into narrations and their events.

In addition, to exhibit the educational techniques of analyzing the

characters of women mentioned in the Qur'an. This will show the

importance of varying educational techniques to mould the personalities of

woman using the examples of women in Prophetic narrations.

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